Rick Stein's Chalky bites the dus

Posted by Anthea Gerrie Jan 18, 2007

He may never have actually wielded a spatula, but Chalky the dog had one of the greatest

fan followings of any star of a celebrity chef show.

Rick Stein's faithful mutt accompanied his master on the high seas - and across Britain - in

series after BBC series featuring the popular seafood cook from Cornwall , first teaching the nation how to cook fish, then going in search of local food heroes - small smokers, growers and other producers - across the nation.

The writing on the wall came when Stein declined to bring Chalky on his recent French Odyssey, a slow barge trip through France celebrating local food - and not just because he didn't have a Pet Passport. Chalky was deemed too old and tired for a long trip, not to mention the chance of him nipping the ankles of the crew.

Chalky, who finally passed away in January 2007, will be particularly mourned in Stein's home town of Padstow, where he was sometimes to be spotted being walked along the Camel estuary.

The town is now affectionately(mostly) known as Padstein, since Rick put it on the map with his

famous Seafood Restaurant and a whole slew of other eateries plus hostelries, and a signature cooking school, deli and cafe.